C2 · Vocabulary
Applied Grammar: Collocation at C2
Lesson Handout
Collocation at C2 — Reference
At C2 level, natural collocations distinguish proficient users from advanced learners. These verb–noun, adjective–noun and adverb–adjective partnerships are fixed — using a near-synonym is always wrong.
| Collocation |
Rule |
Example |
| Draw a conclusion | collocate: draw (not make/take/do) + conclusion | From this evidence, we can draw a clear conclusion. |
| Pose a threat | collocate: pose (not make/create/give) + threat | Antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to public health. |
| Profoundly affected | adverb–adjective: profoundly (not very/much) + affected | The community was profoundly affected by the disaster. |
| Raise awareness | collocate: raise (not increase/build/make) + awareness | The campaign raised awareness of mental health issues. |
| Reach a consensus | collocate: reach (not find/make/get) + consensus | After lengthy negotiations, they reached a consensus. |
C2 · Vocabulary
Applied Grammar: Collocation at C2
Worksheet
Name: ___________________________ Date: _______________
Choose the correct collocation (6 points)
1. "The study ___________ important questions about methodology." (a) raises (b) makes (c) does (d) says
2. "The policy ___________ a significant risk to economic stability." (a) does (b) poses (c) makes (d) gives
3. Complete the collocation: "The researchers ___________ the conclusion that funding was insufficient." (draw)
4. "Climate change has ___________ altered agricultural patterns across the region." (a) very (b) profoundly (c) much (d) highly
5. "After three sessions, the two sides finally ___________ a consensus." (a) made (b) found (c) reached (d) got
6. "The charity campaign ___________ awareness of food insecurity among urban populations." (a) raised (b) increased (c) built (d) made
C2 · Vocabulary
Applied Grammar: Collocation at C2
Answer Key
1. raises — raise a question: the correct collocation. Not 'rises' (intransitive) or 'poses a question'.
2. poses — pose a threat / risk: the correct collocation. Not 'raises' a threat.
3. drew — draw a conclusion: 'The researchers drew the conclusion that…' Also accepted: reached a conclusion.
4. profoundly — profoundly affected: strong collocator at C2 register. Not 'deeply affected' (also possible but 'profoundly' is the C2 register choice).
5. reached — reach a consensus / decision / agreement: the correct collocation. Not 'made a consensus'.
6. raised — raise awareness / concerns / objections: the correct collocation. Concerns are raised, not posed or drawn.